Citation and License

Abstract

Osteoporosis can manifest in two ways in rheumatoid arthritis: generalized bone loss,
which may result from immobility, the inflammatory process per se and/or treatments such as steroids; and periarticular demineralization, which is probably
due to local release of inflammatory agents. Digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) is
an effective and sensitive modality for monitoring periarticular osteoporosis, which
is among the earliest features of rheumatoid arthritis, preceding bone erosions. DXR
is a promising technique, which can provide quantitative data that allow early diagnosis.
During the course of rheumatoid arthritis it can be deployed in combination with established
X-ray scoring methods to inform decisions regarding the optimal therapy to prevent
joint destruction.